Trump to Ring NYSE Opening Bell as Markets Rally After Election Victory
(Photo: Reuters)
President-elect Donald Trump will ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) for the first time on Thursday, marking a significant moment for the New York-born businessman, according to a Wednesday report from The Associated Press.
The ceremonial act, which signals the start of daily trading, is notable given Trump’s deep roots in New York as a real estate mogul who first rose to global prominence in the city. Despite his long connection to the financial capital, the NYSE calendar confirms this will be Trump’s first participation in the tradition.
The AP report, citing four sources familiar with the president-elect’s plans, highlights the symbolic timing. Trump’s appearance comes amid a market rally spurred by his November 2024 election victory. Following the election, U.S. stocks surged, signaling investor confidence in Trump’s potential pro-growth policies.
The S&P 500 jumped 2.5 percent the day after the election, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1,508 points (3.6 percent), and the Nasdaq composite rose by 3 percent. Bond yields and Bitcoin also saw notable increases.
The NYSE opening bell ceremony has long attracted prominent figures, including Hollywood stars like Bradley Cooper and Robert Downey Jr., athletes like golf icon Phil Mickelson, and politicians such as former President Ronald Reagan and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Melania Trump also rang the bell during her husband’s first term to promote her “Be Best” initiative for children.
Notably, Reagan was the first sitting president to perform the honor. At the time, he famously told traders: “With tax reform and budget control, our economy will be free to expand to its full potential, driving the bears back into permanent hibernation. We’re going to turn the bull loose.”
Though Trump has since relocated to Florida, New York remains a focal point of his political and personal history. Earlier this year, he spent significant time in the city during his hush money trial, balancing court appearances with campaign events, including a rally in the Bronx and a firehouse visit.
Trump most recently returned to New York in September to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. As Trump prepares to step back into the NYSE spotlight, his participation underscores his enduring ties to Wall Street and signals a fresh chapter in the relationship between his administration and the markets. Investors and observers alike will watch closely as Trump steps up to ring the iconic bell.
